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Sales Reach Seven Figures

European Classics at Auction

Larry Jewett - January 17, 2014 09:04 AM

1930 Duesenberg Model J

Darin Schnabel/Courtesy of RM

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European cars have taken over the top spots as the 2014 Scottsdale Auctions head toward the weekend. With the beginning of Bonhams and RM activity, lots have easily cleared the million dollar mark for cars constructed in Europe. Just one domestic car is in the top 10 in the latest report offered by Hagerty.Top seller for January 16 was a 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Coupe that brought $3.19 million. Bonhams had another seller over $3 million with a 1931 Alfa Romero. The top seller car in the RM Auction was a 1961 Porsche 718 RS 61 Spyder that brought $2.75 million.The lone domestic product in the top 10 was a 1930 Duesenberg Model J convertible. The $2.2 million dollar sale was close to projected targets on the car. Originally the $13,500 purchase of a West Virginia lumber king, the car has been well-maintained and a frequent visitor to Auburn for annual events.This Model J Duesenberg spent its first eight decades in the ownership of a continuous chain of three loving owners; all of whom should be applauded for appreciating what it is and keeping it exactly that way. It has always been a “driver,” it was never allowed to fall from grace, and it has always been enjoyed exactly the way that Fred Duesenberg intended his automobiles to be enjoyed. It has received the very best of loving care. For 83 years, it has never been advertised for sale; instead, it has been passed from friend to friend, with a handshake and the expectation that it will become a beloved possession. A 1955 Ford F-100 moved the top spot higher in the third day of the Barrett-Jackson auction. The truck sold for $220,000 with many featured lots standing by to attempt to break out the top position.